Camp SD Butler Marine Corps Base in Okinawa, Japan

Contact Information

Phone: 011-81-98-911-5111

DSN: 315-640-1110

Camp S. D. Butler is among the multitude of military installations under the jurisdiction of the United States of America, but run by the Japanese regulations and laws. The base is located in Okinawa and is operated by the United States Marine Corps. The base was named in the memory of Smedley D. Butler, who was the most decorated individual in the US Marine Corps in the history. He conducted various missions in more parts of the world, including China, the Philippines, Central America or France. He earned multiple Medals of Honor, as well as the Brevet Medal. He is the only man in the world who got them. He passed away in 1940 due to cancer, after being retired with his family. He is a legendary figure for the US Marine Corps.

Camp S. D. Butler is more than just a simple base. In fact, it is the mother base for multiple other installations in the Okinawa Island. Prior to expanding so much, the base was initially known as Fort Buckner. Back then, it was named in the memory of Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr., who was killed in the last days of the battle of Okinawa. He was the highest ranked American official killed by the enemy fire during World War II. The base was renamed after the United States Army left Okinawa and gave away the installation to the United States Marine Corps. These days, the installation has grown so much that is covers not less than ten different facilities, in most parts of Okinawa. Three of them – McTureous, Courtney and White Beach – are located in Uruma. The list also includes Gonsalves, Kinser, Schwab, Lester, Hansen, Foster and Shields.

History

The battle of Okinawa was the most intense one in the Pacific area during World War II. It saw some of the bravest acts of heroism, but also some of the largest camps of dead bodies. Plenty of officers were awarded after this battle. However, most of them got their medals during their burial ceremonies. The intense fights convinced the Americans to establish multiple installations in the area. They were taken over and updated in order to prevent any similar battles, right after World War II reached to an end. These days, things have changed a little. The area is no longer a problematic one, as the two governments are in a very friendly relationship. The bases have military purposes, but they are not as obvious. Instead, they slowly grow as American human communities spread around Japan. The same rules apply to Camp S. D. Butler too.

These days, Camp S. D. Butler is the mother base for other facilities. They all work in a tight collaboration to support the United States Marine Corps.

Mission

Aside from the general purpose to serve in all the missions and operations led by the US Marine Corps in the Pacific area, Camp S. D. Butler is also responsible for the good mood and high quality of life of its inhabitants, whether they are civilians or military troops.